Meaning of the word "the tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high" in English
What does "the tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
the tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high
US /ðə tʌŋ ɪz bʌt θriː ˈɪntʃɪz lɔːŋ, jet ɪt kæn kɪl ə mæn sɪks fiːt haɪ/
UK /ðə tʌŋ ɪz bʌt θriː ˈɪntʃɪz lɒŋ, jet ɪt kæn kɪl ə mæn sɪks fiːt haɪ/
Idiom
a proverb meaning that words can be extremely powerful and destructive, capable of ruining someone's life despite being physically small
Example:
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Be careful with your rumors; remember that the tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high.
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The politician learned the hard way that the tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high after his comments ruined his career.